BUFFALO, N.Y. — May 6, 2024 is Holocaust Remembrance Day.
On Remembrance Day, we remember the six million Jews that were murdered in the Holocaust, as well as other victims of Nazi persecution.
“Across four decades, Holocaust remembrance observances have been held annually in the US Capitol, by state and local governments, federal agencies, the military, educational institutions, and many others. Holocaust remembrance has become a national commitment, reflecting American history and values,” Museum Chairman Stuart E. Eizenstat said in a release on the United Staes Holocaust Memorial Museum website . “However, in recent weeks and around International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January, some individuals have outrageously attempted to thwart this tradition, disrupting planning for these ceremonies by harassing and verbally abusing officials, community members, and even Holocaust survivors. These contemptible acts, part of an alarming eruption of antisemitism since the Hamas terror attack against Israel, are shameful and totally antithetical to our nation’s values and commitment to Holocaust memory. Holocaust commemorations are a time to remember, reflect, and rededicate ourselves to our shared humanity.”
“My immediate family survived the Holocaust only because we were able to flee to other countries and find helpers who hid us. The rest of our family and our entire community were destroyed," said Arye Ephrath, Holocaust survivor and Museum volunteer. “Not a day since liberation goes by that I do not think of them and all the six million Jewish men, women and children killed solely for being Jews. That’s why the Days of Remembrance are especially meaningful. It is my hope and the hope of all survivors that people will remember our families and reflect on the dangers of antisemitism and all forms of hate, and the importance of taking action to confront them. These lessons of the past are urgently needed now.”
President Joe Biden will mark the National Ceremony will a keynote address. The United Staes Holocaust Memorial Museum is holding the virtual National Commemoration of the Days of Remembrance event on Tuesday, May 7 at 11am. You can watch the event here: https://www.ushmm.org/2024-days-of-remembrance-commemoration.
The ceremony serves to "Preserving the memory of the victims—while also honoring survivors, rescuers, and liberators—provides an opportunity to learn about how and why the Holocaust happened and to reflect on our common humanity. Their history warns us of the consequences when antisemitism remains unchecked and inspires people everywhere to confront hatred."
